Kashmir incident-free; precautionary measures for today

Srinagar, Mar 5: After nearly five days, Kashmir on Thursday returned to normal while authorities decided to impose precautionary measures on Friday.

Security restrictions were enforced in parts of the city, particularly around Lal Chowk and in several Shia-majority localities, following the killing of a Shia spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a strike by Israel and the United States.

Most of the commercial areas in Srinagar and other areas of the Valley began witnessing routine activity on Thursday. Markets opened and vehicular movement increased significantly in central city locations including Regal Chowk, Maharaj Bazar, Dalgate, and Batamaloo.

The return of traffic, however, brought with it massive congestion in many places as commuters ventured out after days of restricted movement.

Long queues of vehicles were seen on major roads leading toward Lal Chowk and adjoining commercial hubs, with Traffic Police struggling to regulate the sudden surge.

Reports of normal activity were received from most parts of Kashmir on Thursday. “People returned to normal chorus on Thursday almost in entire Valley,” senior Police officials said here.

Officials said additional contingents of Police and paramilitary forces were deployed across Srinagar and other districts as a precautionary measure.

Barricades were placed at several intersections, and movement was monitored in neighbourhoods known for large Shia congregations.

Authorities said that the measures were necessary to prevent unrest and ensure public safety.

Meanwhile, traders and transporters welcomed the gradual reopening of markets, saying prolonged disruptions had begun affecting daily livelihoods.

Shopkeepers in central Srinagar said business resumed slowly as people cautiously returned to routine activities.

“We are trying to reopen after days of uncertainty. Customers have started coming back,” said a trader in the Maharaj Bazar area.

Officials said that restrictions could continue in sensitive zones depending on the security situation on Friday.

Security forces would be deployed in parts of Srinagar and other districts of the Valley to ensure law and order and prevent any untoward incidents on Friday.

Police and paramilitary personnel will conduct area domination patrols and set up checkpoints in vulnerable areas, particularly near major Masjids and public gathering points.

Officials said the measures would be taken as a precautionary step to maintain peace and ensure that Friday prayers pass off smoothly.

“Additional deployment would be made in sensitive pockets as part of routine preventive arrangements,” a senior Police official said.

“The preventive measures would be part of standard security protocols followed in the Valley on Fridays and during important religious gatherings,” officials said. “The deployment is aimed at ensuring public safety and preventing any disruption to normal life.”

Meanwhile, amid the prevailing situation in Kashmir, Police issued an advisory urging the people to maintain calm and refrain from activities that could disturb public peace or disrupt the prevailing atmosphere.

The J&K Police appealed to people to act responsibly and avoid engaging in any behaviour that may lead to unrest or unnecessary tension.

The advisory also called on media organisations, journalists, and social media users to exercise restraint and responsibility while reporting or sharing information related to developments in the region.

Police said that the circulation of rumours, misleading content, or unverified news could create panic among the public and potentially disturb law and order.

“People are requested not to pay heed to rumours and avoid sharing objectionable, misleading, or unverified information on social media platforms,” the Police said.

The advisory comes at a time when authorities have heightened security and taken precautionary measures in several parts of the valley to ensure the situation remains peaceful.

Officials said responsible dissemination of information is crucial during sensitive situations, particularly in the age of instant communication where unverified claims can spread rapidly online.

Police. warned that strict legal action would be taken against individuals or platforms found spreading rumours or misinformation.

They said such actions would be dealt with in accordance with the relevant provisions of law.

Authorities also urged people to rely only on verified information issued by official sources and to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and stability.

The Police reiterated that collective responsibility and restraint from all sections of society, including media professionals and social media users, are essential to ensure that the peaceful atmosphere in the region is not vitiated.

Earlier, Police in Srinagar registered a case against unidentified individuals for allegedly circulating misinformation on social media, officials said on Thursday.

Police said that the action was taken after certain misleading and unverified content began circulating online, which authorities said had the potential to create panic and disturb public order in Kashmir.

“Spreading rumours or unverified information, especially during sensitive situations, can cause unnecessary panic and disturb the peaceful atmosphere,” Police said.

Police also urged people to refrain from sharing unverified content on social media platforms and rely only on information issued through official channels.

Authorities cautioned that strict legal action would be taken against any person or platform found involved in spreading rumours, objectionable content, or misleading information.

The Police appealed to media organisations, journalists, and social media users to act responsibly while reporting or sharing information so that public peace and order are not affected.